(April 2011) Plattsburgh, NY — Clinton County, The Development Corporation (TDC), and the NYS Office of Community Renewal are pleased to report that Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. (FFNA) has announced plans to consolidate its manufacturing and supply chain operations in Plattsburgh. FFNA, a leading provider of IT-based business solutions, is moving its point of sale (POS) manufacturing and integration operations from its current headquarters in Foothill Ranch, California to its facility in TDC’s Air Industrial Park. FFNA has been manufacturing and managing supply chain operations for its self-checkout and self-service systems, as well as servicing retail customers throughout North America, Australia and Europe, from its Plattsburgh facility. In 2004 FFNA, then known as Fujitsu Transaction Solutions Inc., acquired the self-checkout business of Optimal Group Inc., which had operations at the current Plattsburgh location. In 2009 Fujitsu Transaction Solutions became part of the Fujitsu Frontech family and was rebranded as Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. “Fujitsu Frontech North America is proud to be involved with The Development Corporation and Clinton County to expand our operations in Plattsburgh, New York,” said Yoshi Masuda, President and CEO of FFNA. “Fujitsu has a long and dedicated history to providing fulfilling, innovative jobs as well as engaging in community involvement. FFNA is part of a global network of technology, manufacturing and sales companies spanning 5 continents. Our commitment to green technology and manufacturing facilities has been documented worldwide.” This planned expansion to Plattsburgh is a strategic decision for FFNA to consolidate its manufacturing and supply chain management operations at the same location. FFNA is currently in the process of changing the global supply chain for its POS products as part of a larger strategy to implement a complete retail products global supply chain network. Not only will the move create job opportunities in the state of New York, but it will also enable FFNA to streamline its manufacturing and logistics management processes, driving efficiencies that will increase the quality of service FFNA is able to offer customers. This consolidation will allow FFNA to lower its business operations costs and Plattsburgh’s geographic location provides maximum flexibility for shipping to domestic and international customers. In April 2011, Clinton County was invited to apply for a $500,000 Small Cities Grant from the NYS Office of Community Renewal that will assist FFNA with the employee training costs and some of the machinery purchases necessary to consolidate its manufacturing and supply chain operations in Plattsburgh. TDC will administer the grant on behalf of the County. The consolidation of the operations from California to Plattsburgh will create more than 50 new full- time manufacturing-related jobs in Plattsburgh. “The company anticipates the transition to be complete by September 2011,” noted Erin Hynes, Economic Developer for The Development Corporation. “This expansion enhances the depth of the area’s manufacturing sector and is a testament to FFNA’s commitment to Clinton County. The NYS Office of Community Renewal grant will assist FFNA in its job creation efforts by providing new employees with comprehensive on-the-job training opportunities designed to increase their skill-sets,“ said Hynes. Darryl C. Towns, Commissioner of New York State Homes & Community Renewal said, “Congratulations to Fujitsu and to the residents of Clinton County. Fujitsu’s expansion to Plattsburgh will allow the company to take advantage of a strong local workforce and help enhance the economy and quality of life in Clinton County. Fujitsu is a great example of how the New York State Community Development Block Grant program provides essential resources to help businesses grow and address the unique needs of New York communities. By consolidating operations from California, the company is demonstrating its commitment to New York and to bringing new jobs and new opportunities to Plattsburgh families.” “We are delighted that Fujitsu has chosen Plattsburgh to consolidate their North American operations, said John VanNatten, Chair of the North Country Workforce Investment Board. “This announcement is about much more than the relocation of business operations, it’s about providing the community with great jobs at a great company.” “I see tremendous potential for Fujitsu to expand its business operations in the state of New York,” said Dick Zarski, Senior Vice President of manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. “FFNA is committed to continually seeking ways to adopt best practices and to improve logistics processes and quality management for retail clients in North America. We believe that consolidating our manufacturing and supply chain management functions in one location demonstrates FFNA’s dedication to providing operational excellence and service efficiencies.” “We are excited by the expansion of FFNA’s facility in Plattsburgh and by the quality jobs and training opportunities that will be available to local residents in Clinton County,” said Adoré Flynn Kurtz, President of The Development Corporation. “It is very gratifying to confirm that Plattsburgh is well- positioned to provide both the workforce and economic environment necessary to help a company like Fujitsu expand its market share.”
